Chapter 13:- The New Year

New year…! A new page of the old book of life.

The people of Maymunah rise early as its Navreh or Kashmiri new year.

Eldest women of the house arrange rice, almanac, mirror, scroll, flowers, wye herb, curd, walnuts, pen, coins, wheat, bread etc in a large plate called thali and cover it a day before Navreh. On the day of Navreh the family members gather together uncover the thali and view it on this holy day. Each item in the thali represents a element of life.

All the village is gathered at the shiva temple.

Men and women dressed in traditional Kashmiri outfit are greeting each other. Children are laughing and playing around, girls are distributing sweets. Mild sun rays, cool breeze, rippling stream water, chirping birds, holy enchantment. The nature welcomes the new year. Happiness is filled in the air.

A fair complexioned lady with curly hair tied in two pleats, wearing a maroon pheran with delicate kashida embroidery, ivory coloured head scarf, elegant sliver kanadoor in her ear, her family silver pendent in neck, a thick silver bangle in her delicate hands is offering her prayers to lord shiva. Black big eyes, medium arched eyebrows, smiling bright face, few strands of her curly hair flickering on her pink chin, a bold confident humble and soft spoken lady is Zooni Saidha.

After her prayer she drops the walnut in the river as a traditional sign of thanksgiving. Zooni Saidha lost her parents when is was 12 years, her uncle raised her. Due to her uncles ill health, she single handedly manages her farm and the household chores.

Even though she went through many hardships, her smile and positve thinking remained with her. She can always see the best in everything. She is adventurous, bit stubben and not all can win her trust easily. Umika Bhat is her best friend. Umika is the wife of the village chief Ekaksha Bhat.

All people are enjoying Navreh with songs, dance and sweets. While Zooni is busy distributing sweets to everyone, she unknowingly places a sweet on the palm of a stranger.

Stranger:- " excuse me….! Can you please tell me where I can meet the village chief?"

Zooni turns around to reply. But for some reason, her eyes are fixed on this stranger.

He is a tall, well built man in his mid twenties. Bold confident look, shining bright eyes, silky black lustrous hairs. He wore a black pheran a dark brown pakol cap. He is holding a iron trunk.

Stranger:- "excuse me,.. where can I meet the village chief?"

Zooni (startled) :- " he is standing there". Pointing at Ekaksha Bhat

The stranger thanks zooni and departs.

After a while Ekaksha Bhat calls Zooni

Ekaksha Bhat:- " Zooni, this is Mahbeer Misri( introducing her to the stranger). He wants to start a tea stall near the valley for tourists. He is in need of a house for rent. I think, the small room that you own near your house, will serve the purpose. And Umika believes this would even help you economically."

Zooni:- " As you say Bhatji. If you and Uma want me to rent him the room, I would surely do so. (Turning towards the stranger) After the celebration you can come and see the room. If you like you can stay, my uncle will decide the rent."

Umika pulls Zooni aside..

Umika :-" This is strange.? How did you agree so quickly? Last time when my brother Harit asked for the room you had denied. (In a teasing tone) Tell me Zooni what's the matter ..?!"

Zooni :- " Stop assuming unwanted things Uma,! He seems to be a nice guy. If we dont help the needy, who will? And the village chief requested, how can I deny.?"

Umika:- " From when did you start obeying orders!?"

Zooni nods her head in sarcasm, Both the friends laugh and return to the celebration.